Toyota, like every other automaker, recommends that owners regularly service their vehicles. This is to help ensure everything from the engine to the brakes, suspension and other components all operate smoothly, especially as the car ages.

Depending on the exact model, you should be having your Toyota car, truck or SUV thoroughly serviced every 5,000 miles or six months so you can continue a relatively problem-free ownership experience. Exactly what should be done each time by the technicians is laid out in the official Toyota maintenance schedule, which a reputable shop can and will reference and follow exactly.

If you so choose, you can perform the maintenance work on your Toyota by yourself. Just like technicians, you need to follow all of the prescribed items for each service interval. A number of different servicing items need to be attended to at the different intervals. Your owner’s manual lists them out for the specific model, or you can go to the Toyota Owners official website and pull up the documents there.

An oil change is always required, as well other items that could be of varying degrees of difficulty to perform, depending on the model and the exact service interval. Whether you should try taking on this kind of a task on your own really depends on your mechanical abilities, so read through the requirements before making a decision. Performing the servicing work yourself can be a way to save some money, but if you do not take the vehicle in for servicing at a shop, that maintenance light won’t just turn off magically. That is why you need to know how to switch it off yourself.

The light is set to turn on at the set intervals, or actually a little before then, so you have time to set up an appointment and take care of it. The car’s electronic sensors can’t tell when you have the oil changed or other specific maintenance items addressed, which is why the light must be purposely turned off by you or a technician. Just keeping the light on is a bad idea, because you as the vehicle owner won’t have that reminder to get the car serviced again later, which can lead to some bad consequences.

Because the light just comes on based solely on mileage and time, drivers should not panic when they see it. The light does not mean there is something wrong with their car, truck or SUV, only that it is time for the scheduled maintenance.

How To Reset Toyota Maintenance Light

While it is true most DIY mechanics have no idea how to reset the maintenance light on something like a Toyota Tundra, Prius, Sequoia, etc. the problem can also crop up when owners take their rides to a quick lube shop or even a smaller mom and pop mechanic. Sometimes those locations simply have no idea how to reset the light either, so it’s still on even though the work has been properly done.

Fortunately, it is really not that hard to reset the light, turning it off until you get near the next service interval. Before you start, have on hand the ignition key, which you obviously should have pretty easily accessible.

Start by inserting the key into the ignition and turning it to the “On” position. If your vehicle has a start button, push it but do not put your foot on the brake pedal. The gauges and “dummy” lights should come on. Depending on the vehicle, you want either the odometer or the trip meter to be showing, which are digital and only display once the car is powered. Press the button on the gauge cluster until the “Trip A” number is showing, not the odometer or “Trip B” readout.

At this point, you want to turn the key back to the “Off” position. With the start button, push it twice rapidly, still keeping your footaway from the brake pedal. Don’t turn on the engine before doing this, otherwise you might need to start over. Next you will want to push down and hold the button that you normally use to reset the trip meters. Depending on which Toyota model you own, it could be the same button that helps you cycle between showing the odometer readout and the two different trip meters.

Keep your finger on the button, pushing it down as you turn the key back to the “On” position again. Like before, you don’t want to start up the engine, just illuminate the gauges and other dash lights. At this point, the odometer should not be showing any numbers, but instead will just have several dashes that go away one at a time. Once the last one disappears, keep holding the button down while zeros appear where the dashes were. You can let go of the button once the zeros go away as well and the odometer numbers are back.

After you go through these steps, the Toyota maintenance light should have turned off. This is when the vehicle will begin counting down to the next 5,000-mile service interval, so you will see it turn on once that time rolls around.

This procedure should work on virtually all 2005 to 2015 model-year Toyota vehicles. If you find that it didn’t work the first time, go through the steps again, making sure to follow them closely.

T3 Atlanta

For any of your Toyota servicing needs, T3 Atlanta is available to take care of them. With a clean facility and professional technicians, you will enjoy the best experience possible. Contact us today to make an appointment.

With windshield wipers, you barely need to think. All it takes is turning a switch or flipping a stalk on the steering column, and they just work. While many drivers feel they don’t need to know more about wipers, the truth is that such knowledge will help you spot potential problems early, which in turn can help save you money on bigger and more complex repairs.

Windshield Wipers: How They Work

The wipers are powered by an electric motor, which is hidden from view underneath the dash of your car. Also included in the setup is a worm gear reduction, which has the ability to increase the torque output from the motor by as much as 50 times, or reduce it by 50 times. That’s how you’re able to select so many settings for your wipers, from slow to incredibly fast.

Connected to the gear reduction is a linkage, which is what actually moves the wipers back and forth across the windshield. A short cam is the piece that’s attached to the motor’s output shaft. As it spins while the motor runs, a long rod attached to the other end of the cam shifts back and forth. Attached to the other end of the long rod is a short rod, which is what turns the wiper blade on one side of the car (usually the driver’s side). Another long rod connects to the other wiper.

The actual wiper arms are attached to the ends of the linkages with a single bolt. On modern cars, that bolt is covered with a cap made of plastic or sometimes metal. This keeps snow, ice, salt and other debris out of the connection, avoiding corrosion as the car ages. This is the first thing to check if one or both of the wipers is flopping while operating, or won’t move at all. If tightening the bolt doesn’t do the trick, then the problem is with the linkages or the electric motor itself.

There’s also an electronic sensor that detects whenever the wipers are sitting down. In the event you switch off the wipers when they’re still in the up position, this sensor keeps the power on until the wipers are folded down, completely out of your line of sight. It’s this same sensor that makes it so the wipers stay at the bottom of the windshield between swipes when you’re using the intermittent setting. Obviously, if your wipers don’t sit at the bottom of the windshield when you turn them off, this sensor is likely broken.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Most people know a thing or two about wiper blades, because they’re parts that have to be replaced on a pretty regular basis. Basically, they’re made of rubber, with metal strips that help them maintain a constant shape. This is so the thin rubber edge that sits against the windshield swipes off water evenly. As the rubber ages, it starts to chip and crack, causing the wipers to leave streaks. Sometimes this streaking is caused by dirt buildup on the wipers, which is why it’s a good idea to clean them when washing your car.

Having your car sit out in the hot sun during the daytime in the summer, or out in the bitter cold of the winter night can accelerate the aging of the wiper blades. In other words, garaging your car as often as possible will extend the life, saving you money. The most common problem with wipers comes from not replacing the blades as they age out.

The windshield wiper fluid helps with clearing debris off the windshield, like when there are a lot of bugs in the air. Little nozzles that sit on the hood, or at the edge between the hood and bottom of the windshield, actually spray the fluid out. From time to time these nozzles can become partially or completely clogged by dirt, salt or other debris. If that happens, you can clear it yourself by inserting a thin needle into the nozzle. Also, if it snows or there’s ice on your car, you have to clear that completely from the nozzles for them to work properly.

T3 Atlanta Can Replace Windshield Wipers

Wiper problems can be serious, since they affect your ability to see the road and other vehicles. The trained technicians at T3 Atlanta can quickly take care of any situation, ensuring you stay safe and happy.

Most people like to customize their car to one extent or another. This practice is engrained in American culture and our fierce independence. Even if we buy a popular vehicle such as a Camry or Tacoma, we want to do something that makes it stand apart.

Best Car Accessories

The truth is that not all car accessories are made equal. Quite simply, some are better than others. If you’re confused by the sheer variety of options out there, read on for suggestions of the best car accessories, then decide which ones are best for you.

All-Weather Mats

Most cars come with regular carpeted mats. The problem with these is when the weather turns ugly, they get ugly in a hurry. You can shampoo the carpeting on them, but some grime is tough to get out. Not only that, regular mats might wear out in a hurry if you’re constantly trudging through dirt, mud, snow, ice, salt, etc.

All-weather mats are designed to take this kind of abuse and not show the wear. They’re made of heavy-duty rubber and have lips that keep water, snow, ice, mud, etc. contained. While usually not cheap, they’re worth every penny.

Locking Lugs

Unfortunately, not everyone’s honest. While newer cars have become harder to steal for your average thief, the wheels are still big targets. This is especially true if you have nice wheels, because they can be quickly taken, transported and sold for good money.

The way to stop this problem is to invest in some locking lugs. They have a unique shape to them, so you need the “key” or a matching socket wrench that’s included in the set to get the locks off. You put one on each wheel (including the spare tire on vehicles like the FJ Cruiser where they’re out in the open) to stop thieves dead in their tracks.

Towing Packages

If your vehicle doesn’t come with a towing package, it’s a handy feature to have. A towing package involves more than just a trailer hitch. They include ways to keep the engine and transmission from overheating while pulling the additional weight, making this accessory well worth the investment.

Door Edge Guards

One of the most common areas for paint damage is the edge of doors. They can come into contact with walls, poles, other vehicles, etc. Over time chips, dings and scratches pile up, then corrosion takes hold and can start spreading across the door and to surrounding parts.

With the door edge guards, all of these problems are eliminated. When professionally installed, they look seamless and are barely noticeable.

Paint Protection Film

Sometimes called a “clear bra,” this protective film is like a suit of armor for the front of your car. A layer of incredibly durable urethane keeps the paint free of blemishes from rocks and other road debris you’ll undoubtedly come across. Each section is designed to fit the highest risk areas of your car, like the front bumper, hood, front fenders and side mirror caps.

The paint protection film goes on clear, so people don’t even notice it’s there. It’s a great way to preserve the clean look of your vehicle for years to come.

Rear Spoiler

A tasteful, body-colored rear spoiler can add a nice look to your car. It provides a sporty flair that also sets your vehicle apart from others. Genuine spoilers also fit with the overall look of the car, maintaining the originally feeling instead of looking garish and out of place.

Not only do spoilers look great, they perform a function. A spoiler forces the back end of the car down at highway speeds, providing increased stability as a benefit.

Bed Extender

If you have a pickup truck, you’re likely going to haul things on a pretty regular basis. Sometimes items are too long for the payload, which is where the bed extender comes in. It’s essentially like a cage that sits over the extended tailgate, bumping out the cargo space that much further.

Unlike other solutions, a bed extender is see-through, so other drivers can still spot your taillights, keeping with local laws. The extender also locks in place, properly securing your stuff. When the tailgate is folded up and locked, the extender is also locked in the bed, keeping it safe from would-be thieves.

At T3 Atlanta we can install all of these car accessories or more, helping you to achieve the custom look and functionality you desire.

Without a transmission, vehicles literally wouldn’t go anywhere. Since you can’t really see the transmission in your car, it’s often misunderstood. Knowledge is power, and knowing how your transmission works will help you maintain it better.

How Do Transmissions Work?

You likely know that there are two main types of transmissions: manual and automatic. Without getting too technical, there are several gears fixed on two shafts. As the car is shifted into different gears by the driver or a computer, the gears from one shaft engage with the ones on the other.

In manual transmissions, drivers must push down the clutch pedal to break the connection between the engine and transmission. The gears can then be moved, then the driver releases the clutch pedal and the connection is established again. It’s essentially the same process with an automatic, only the computer uses a torque converter instead of a clutch, at least in most setups.

Dual-clutches sit somewhere in the middle between manuals and automatics. Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have been increasing in popularity recently, and they eliminate individual gears completely.

Toyota Recommended Transmission Service

Toyota recommends specific service schedules for its vehicles, and that includes making sure the transmission is maintained. In general, you should have the clutch components inspected and the transmission fluid replaced every 30,000 miles. Doing this will help avoid larger problems later. The service schedule for individual Toyota models can vary, so it’s always a good idea to consult the owner’s manual or speak with a trained technician.

Signs of Transmission Trouble

There are many signs that your transmission needs to be looked at. One is if it just won’t go into gear. This can include the stick on a manual not moving, or an automatic skipping a certain gear. Several potential problems could trigger this, including low transmission fluid, the wrong fluid being used and even maladjustments for the clutch linkage or shifter cables.

Another common problem is slipping gears. That means the car starts to travel or is even going down the road, but the transmission slips, making the engine race while slowing down your momentum. This is a potentially dangerous situation. You need to have the car checked over ASAP, because several issues could be the culprit.

Sometimes transmissions make noise. If that happens when it’s in neutral, there are a few possible causes. Low fluid or the wrong type can cause some bumping sounds. If the transmission is particularly noisy, it could be from serious mechanical damage, such as worn bearings or gears. If the problem includes grinding or shaking, that can be from a worn clutch, maladjustments or other worn components.

Finding bright red, sticky fluid where your car’s been parked indicated a transmission fluid leak. The source could be in one of a number of locations. A technician can usually pinpoint it fairly quickly with the vehicle on a lift. From there, it’s just a matter of figuring out the best way to patch the leak, which may or may not involve replacing some parts.

If you smell burning coming from the transmission, that’s not something to ignore. It could indicate that there’s a problem with overheating. As the fluid burns, it can’t lubricate the gears and other components properly. The problem can be triggered by dirty fluid that needs to be swapped out, or a leak caused by a bad seal.

Vehicles with a manual transmission can experience a dragging clutch. You push on the clutch pedal, but the engine and transmission are still connected, and the transmission makes a horrendous grinding noise. Often the problem is with too much slack in the linkage between the pedal and the clutch disc.

Despite the name, your check engine light coming on can indicate a problem with the transmission. Modern vehicles have sensors that trigger the warning, like unusual vibrations you can’t even feel. When you see the check engine light turn on, it’s best to bring the car in and have the code read, avoiding bigger problems later.

T3 Atlanta For Transmission Serivce

If you hear the transmission whining or humming, that can spell trouble. At the first sign of these unusual sounds, you need to have the transmission checked over. The same goes for transmissions that don’t engage immediately after you push on the accelerator pedal.

When you experience any of the above symptoms, that’s the time to contact T3 Atlanta or stop by for an inspection. Our highly trained, professional technicians can quickly and accurately diagnose the problem.

For most people vehicle braking systems are a mystery. They step on a pedal, and the things under the wheels slow down the forward (or backward) momentum. It’s something few think about too much, until there’s a problem. By knowing a thing or two about how brakes work, you can actually spot potential problems early, which in turn reduces the size of the repair bill.

How Do Modern Brake Systems Work?

Modern brake systems actually use hydraulics. The force you apply on the pedal is transmitted to the actual brakes through a special fluid. If you open up the hood on your vehicle, you can check the brake fluid reservoir to see if it’s low. Too little fluid means the brakes won’t work as well, so it’s critical to monitor the level on a regular basis (usually once a month is sufficient).

Of course, the brake system is actually set up to multiply the force you apply with your foot. After all, it would be pretty difficult to use sheer physical strength to stop the progression of a 4,000-plus pound vehicle traveling 65 mph. The actual pedal is designed as a lever, which multiplies the force you exert. The hydraulic force also multiplies your effort, routing through the brake lines and a master cylinder before winding its way to the wheels.

If you look at cars with fairly large gaps between the wheel spokes, you can see the brake disc underneath. When the hydraulic force is applied through the system, it squeezes a caliper that sits over one part of the disc. Attached to the caliper are brake pads, which are soft enough to not damage the discs. They create friction, slowing down the vehicle.

When everything is working fine, your car will slow down predictably time and again. There are some signs of trouble you should always be on the lookout for, because having your brakes go out or even work in a diminished way is never an enjoyable experience.

Brake Fade

You might notice that it’s necessary to push down on the brake pedal further than usual to get the car to slow down or stop. This is called brake fade, and it can happen gradually, so you might not even realize what’s going on for some time. When you do, that’s a sign that something could be wrong. The brake fluid might be low, making it necessary to push the pedal further, the brake pads could be worn down, or both.

Check Your Brake Fluid Levels

Checking the brake fluid is easy enough to do by yourself, if you’re so inclined, or our technicians can look over all your fluids at once to be safe. They also can read the thickness of your brake pads quickly, telling you if they need to be replaced, or are getting close to the point that they will need to be swapped in the near future.

One possible reason for low brake fluid is a leak. It could be present anywhere in the system, which runs throughout the undercarriage. Tracking down a leak can be tricky for someone who doesn’t have the right equipment, experience or training, which is where our techs come in. Ignoring the problem can make it worse, putting you and anyone riding in the car at risk.

Turn Down Your Music and Listen To Your Brakes

You should regularly turn down your music and maybe even roll down the windows while driving. Pay attention to any noise coming from the wheels when you apply the brakes. A squealing sound might be the indicator or a metal shim in the pads. Its job is to warn you when the pads have become thin enough they need to be changed. Hearing the squealing once in a while can be normal, thanks to temporary rust or road debris buildup, but if you notice it regularly that’s a sign to have the brakes checked.

Grinding and Growling Sounds

Grinding or growling when you push on the brake pedal is even worse. This can indicate the pads are completely worn, with the discs and calipers rubbing against each other. If that’s the case, you might need new discs and pads.

Brake Pedal Vibrations

Vibrations when you push on the brake pedal can indicate that you need new discs. The heat generated by braking can warp the metal. It’s possible the sensation is from unbalanced tires or other symptoms, which is why it’s a good idea to have a tech look at the car.

Pulling To One Side

Finally, your car might pull to one side or the other when you brake. This can be from the pads wearing unevenly, which might indicate other problems that should be addressed immediately. The problem can also be triggered by debris in the brake fluid, making it necessary to have the system drained and refilled.

T3 Atlanta For Brake Maintenance and Repairs

If you have concerns about your brakes, or any other part of your car, remember that T3 Atlanta is here to help. Our technicians are highly trained professionals that can quickly and accurately pinpoint the cause of problems, saving you time and money. Contact us today or stop by so we can get started.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Congratulations! You’ve invested wisely in a Lexus automobile. Protect your investment by following the recommended service schedule for your Lexus. If you have questions about your Lexus maintenance schedule, T3 Atlanta can help you understand the service required to ensure your vehicle’s performance.

Following the recommended service schedule for your Lexus will increase the value of the car when you are ready to sell it. Following a general maintenance service schedule will improve your Lexus’ reliability and will help make your vehicle last for years.

We realize you have a busy schedule so let us keep track of your maintenance and service needs for your Lexus. You can depend on T3 Atlanta to keep in contact with you for service reminders.

T3 Atlanta Offers Outstanding Customer Support

We built our business on meeting and exceeding our customer’s needs. Our Service Technicians want you to become a regular customer and are there to fulfill your auto service needs. Bring your Lexus to us for your repair and maintenance needs. We are willing to go the extra mile because we believe in customer service first.

Your Lexus automobile service needs are important to us. Did you know that there are electronic features in your Lexus that can be programmed just for you? Learn more about what features you would like programmed into your Lexus by talking with your service technician. Taking advantage of all the available automobile features will increase the satisfaction of your driving experience.

Preventive Care is Best

It is important the oil be checked regularly to avoid costly repairs in the future on your Lexus. There are certain variables that will determine when is good time to have that done. These variables consist of; the age of your vehicle, the type of climate you are driving in, the amount of regular drive time, and the street conditions of the roads you regularly travel. All of these variables will factor into when you have the oil changed.

At T3 Atlanta, we take the guesswork out of maintaining your Lexus. You and our staff will work together, as a team, to determine the best plan to schedule your services. Consult with your Service Technician to figure what is best for your situation.

Different Types of Oil

There are two choices in deciding what type of oil to use in your Lexus. Decide whether you want to use synthetic or non-synthetic oil in your vehicle engine. Generally, late model European makes, hybrids and some high performance cars require synthetic oil.

Synthetic oil could cost you more upfront, but it could extend the life of the car’s engine. Consult with your Service Technician and decide what your vehicle needs. Your choice could change the rate at which you have your Lexus serviced.

Maintenance Routine

Get your maintenance done regularly and you could avoid costly repair bills in the future. Lexus recommends that you have maintenance done every six months or 5000 miles, whichever comes first.

Once at our shop, our Service Technician will thoroughly inspect your Lexus and determine what it needs. Our technicians are highly-trained and experienced in Lexus service.

The regular Lexus maintenance routine while in the shop will include:

check the installation of driver-side floor mat

check and adjust fluid levels

replace engine oil and filter

replace air filter

rotate tires

check brake pads & rotors

inspect wiper blades

check for recalls on the model

reset your maintenance reminder light

road test the vehicle

We Want Your Business

Partner with T3 Atlanta to get the most out of Lexus. By providing great customer service we have established a long term relationship with our customers.

T3 Atlanta can provide a wealth of information to make your vehicle last. Get your maintenance done regularly and use all the resources available to you as a T3 Atlanta customer.

Your Lexus should be an investment you would gladly make all over again. Here at T3 Atlanta we keep our prices low and pass those savings on to your customers. We have built our business on loyalty and referrals from our satisfied customers. Service is our number one priority.

Buying a new vehicle can be very intimidating. The more work you do to prepare to make your purchase the better. By being an informed buyer it will reduce the chances of you getting taken advantage of. Do online research, in fact the more research you do the better. Research, research and more research! Remember as the buyer you are the one in control. Do not let a pushy salesperson make your decisions for you.

Tips to Consider When Buying a New Vehicle in 2016

What is your budget? Your monthly payment should not exceed 25% of your monthly household income. Find a home budget calculator online. This will assist greatly in doing your calculations. Do not forget to figure other costs of owning a vehicle like insurance, repairs and gasoline.

Narrow your search. Pick two or three different cars that are your favorites. Use manufacturer websites and automobile information sites to gather information from. You should target the ones that are priced at 5% less than your monthly budget. This way you will cover other expenses involved in having a car. Check local car lots when the dealership is closed. This will help you to make a decision with a salesperson bothering you.

Do you want to buy new, used or lease a vehicle? Used cars can be very affordable. But you will have higher interest rates and a shorter warranty. If you lease a car you may be able to afford a high end vehicle. Before signing the lease read over the conditions carefully. You might have to pay penalties in certain cases. New cars come with a full warranty and can include freebies. Another option can be certified pre-owned cars. These can be cheaper and have some of the warranty left. They must meet certain standards regarding condition and reliability.

How much will it cost? Determine what your overall costs for purchasing the vehicle will be. The typical dealer markup is two percent. Find out the invoice price of the car you want. The invoice price is what the dealership paid for the car. Dealers need to make some money on selling the car to cover their overhead costs. Websites like Edmunds.com, KBB.com and NADA.com are helpful in determining the value of the care you are interested in.

Have your financing done before you test drive. Walk-in to the dealership with your financing already done. Talk to your bank or credit union and see what they can offer you. Check the current interest rates so you will be prepared to purchase. You can find these online at sites like Bankrate.com.

What discounts are available? Find out what discounts you are eligible for before going to the car lot. You can find these on manufacturer websites. Depending on your situation you could save money. Discounts can be given to students, military and membership based groups among others.

Take your time. Do not rush in to complete a test drive. Make an appointment online to test drive the car. Take some extra time to get familiar with the car. Drive it to a parking lot near the dealership during the test drive and check the vehicle out on your own. One of the best ways to test drive a vehicle is to rent the car for a couple of days. This will help you decide if you really want to purchase it or not.

Be a smart negotiator. Know the current value of the car you want to purchase. Understand what fees are involved when you purchase the car. Most importantly just say no to add-on extras. This is how the dealer can increase the price. Look for a dealer that offers no haggle prices in your area. This means that the price listed on the sticker is what you will pay for the car. This will eliminate having to negotiate the price.

The more homework you do before going to the dealership the better. Talk to friends. Word of mouth is a great tool to use when buying a car. Collect as much information as you can online. The internet has made buying a car a much more even playing field for buyers. Remember the dealer will need to make some money in the transaction. Be an informed buyer and not a victim.

T3 Atlanta

T3 Atlanta can help you make better used car buying decisions. If you are considering buying a previously owned Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, or Nissan, we can check the auto for any hidden issues. We have 2 convenient locations to serve you in Smyrna and Decatur/Scottsdale.

Repairs and Services

T3 Atlanta

Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan Maintenance

In 1994, our founder, Charles Wright, wanted to leave the corporate/professional environment and start his own company. After months of reading business planning books, he decided to establish an auto service company. He recalled reading that auto repair people were the first or second least trusted group of people among service providers, and Charles wanted to provide Atlanta car owners with a trustworthy auto repair shop. He learned how the service business was structured, and opened T3 Atlanta to offer customers an affordable and efficient service company. To learn more about Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan auto repairs at T3 Atlanta, please contact our office!

Outstanding and Affordable Car Services in Atlanta

Our team consists of the best Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan technicians in the area. Every one of our award-winning, factory trained technicians can resolve a customer's vehicle problem. If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle, in most cases we can diagnose the issue free of charge. By offering discounted services to every customer 365 days a year, we do not need to offer specials to increase our clientele. We have an auto shop located in Smyrna, as well as Decatur/Scottdale, so owners can seek our mechanics’ assistance at one of our two convenient locations. Read More